Ch. 17 Strength in Progress

The days passed in a steady rhythm, blending into weeks of rigorous training and relentless effort. Each morning began with breakfast—still punctuated by Olivia's biting remarks—followed by hours of katana practice, academic lessons, and cultivation sessions.

Under Alfred's strict guidance, Alex's skills with the katana had progressed beyond his expectations. His strikes were sharper, his footwork more fluid, and his ability to seamlessly transition between the basic forms had become second nature.

Though Alfred never offered overt praise, the occasional approving nod was all the affirmation Alex needed.

Academically, Alex wasn't faring as well. Language and math continued to challenge him, but history remained his strong point. 

In his cultivation, Alex's progress was nothing short of remarkable. Through daily effort and training he could feel himself nearing the edge of another breakthrough.

On the fifteenth day of his training routine, Alex sat cross-legged in his sub-dimension, the familiar hum of mana filling the air. His entire being was focused on the energy coursing through him, his blood still pulsing with untamed power from the Blood Refining Stage.

The mana around him swirled more densely than ever before, converging as if answering his call. He directed the energy through his veins, refining his blood further, feeling the space-time attribute deepen its hold within him.

Then it happened. A surge of energy unlike anything he'd felt before exploded within him. His blood, once boiling and volatile, suddenly calmed, becoming a steady, pulsating force that spread through his entire body. Every beat of his heart felt like the ticking of a powerful clock, the space-time attribute woven seamlessly into his essence.

The air around him shifted, a faint ripple of pressure emanating outward. Alex opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath as he felt the surge of power settle within him.

"Stage 5," he said, his voice steady but tinged with awe.

[Nicely done, Host,] Nova chimed in. [You're finally making progress worth talking about.]

Alex stood, gripping his katana. With a single, deliberate motion, he executed a downward slash. The blade cut cleanly through the air, creating a swirling gust of wind that rippled outward, bending the grass in his sub-dimension.

He smiled. The strength in his muscles and the control in his movements were leagues beyond what he'd felt before.

After a few light exercises to adjust to his new level, Alex sealed his cultivation back to G rank. The now-familiar sensation of his strength being locked away settled over him, though his perception remained sharp.

[By the way, Host,] Nova said suddenly, her tone almost smug. [You've got some unclaimed quest rewards. Might want to check that quest board more often.]

Alex's brows shot up. "Wait, rewards? What quests?"

[Breaking through to G rank, F rank, and now E rank,] she replied. [Honestly, you're so focused on getting stronger that you forget the small victories. Typical.]

The quest board appeared in Alex's mind, listing three completed quests. He eagerly claimed the rewards:

G Rank Breakthrough: 200 Desire Credits

F Rank Breakthrough: 300 Desire Credits

E Rank Breakthrough: 400 Desire Credits

Bonus Items: 1 Training Dummy, 1 Random Skill Card

"That's a haul," Alex said, his excitement bubbling over. "What's with the training dummy and the skill card?"

[Descriptions incoming,] Nova said with a flourish.

Training Dummy: A sparring partner that mirrors your moves but always operates at one stage above your current rank. Ideal for combat practice, pushing you to improve without exposing your true strength to others.

Random Skill Card: A chance-based item that grants you a skill at random. The skill scales between ranks F and SSS, offering the potential for incredible techniques or humble basics.

"That dummy is going to be a game changer" 

Nova added. [You'll finally have someone to spar against in your sub-dimension, and since it's always stronger, you'll be forced to improve.]

"Good point," Alex said, nodding. "I'll set it up later. Right now, I need to get ready for breakfast and training."

Entering the dining room, Alex found Olivia and James already seated. Olivia's usual disdainful smirk greeted him.

"Oh, look, it's the 'prodigal son' You're late."

"Good morning to you too, Olivia," Alex replied, taking his seat.

James smiled warmly. "Glad to see you joining us as always, Alex. How's training going?"

Alex decided to make his announcement. "It's going well. I just broke through to F rank."

The room fell silent for a moment. Both Olivia and James looked at him with wide eyes.

"F rank?!" Olivia exclaimed. "It's been less than a month since you woke up! What are you doing, taking illegal cultivation drugs?"

James frowned, his voice tinged with concern. "Alex, you know those drugs are dangerous. They might give you a boost now, but they can ruin your future path."

For a brief moment, Alex's mind flickered to the potions and pills he'd used. But Nova's reassuring voice cut through his worry.

[Relax, Host. System products are completely safe and leagues above anything this world has. Those drugs they're talking about aren't even in the same category.]

Relieved, Alex shook his head. "No, I haven't been using drugs. Where would I even get them? I haven't left the estate since going to the Obsidian Tower with Alfred."

Olivia huffed, clearly annoyed. "Whatever. It's not like you'll catch up. The academy exams are coming soon, and the minimum cultivation level is E rank, with the highest being C rank. I'm already D rank and should hit C before the exams. You'll never compare to my speed."

Alex smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Just you wait."

James interjected, his tone thoughtful. "Alex, if you'd like, I can get you some legal cultivation supplements released by the academies. They're safe and widely used."

"No!" Olivia snapped, her voice sharp. "We can't afford that right now. We're barely able to pay the maids as it is. If Alex wants more resources, he should earn them himself. That's what I did."

James sighed, the weight of their financial struggles evident in his expression. "I'm sorry, Alex."

Alex shook his head. "It's not your fault, Dad. This is on me. I caused this mess, and I'll fix it. I'll recover our family's wealth."

Nova's voice chimed in cheerfully. [New quest: Restore the Argoth Family's Wealth. Better start planning, Host.]

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Good luck with that."

James said nothing, but the pain in his eyes spoke volumes.

After breakfast, Alex headed to the courtyard, where Alfred was waiting as usual.

"You've broken through again," Alfred noted, his sharp eyes studying Alex. "Congratulations."

Alex's face lit up with excitement. "Thanks. I've been working hard."

Alfred nodded approvingly. "Now that you've reached this level, it's time to teach you something new. Today, we'll begin with spells and skills."

The anticipation bubbling within Alex was impossible to contain. His hands tightened around the hilt of his katana, his excitement clear.